FCFRD News Blog : #MeetFCFRD: Technician Jin Lee

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

May 28, 2021

Technician Jin Lee is currently assigned to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s (FCFRD) Basic Training Section at the Fire and Rescue Academy. He has enjoyed a career as a firefighter and paramedic with the department for over 15 years. However, growing up Technician Lee did not know anything about the fire service.

His parents immigrated from South Korea in the mid-70’s and opened a store in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents worked extremely hard and their work ethic set an example for Technician Lee. They also continually stressed the importance of earning a college degree. After graduating high school in 1999, Technician Lee attended the University of Maryland but he was unsure of what he wanted to do in life.

After a couple years of working at his parent’s store, landscaping, and going to college with an undeclared major, Technician Lee felt he needed a change. During his formative years, Technician Lee also developed a great love of the outdoors. Wanting to do something in combination with his passion for the outdoors, he applied for a job with the U.S. Forest Service in Northern Idaho and was hired in 2001. He was part of a hand crew fighting forest fires in Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. It was there Technician Lee developed a love for the fire service.

After fire season, and honoring his parent’s wish that he earn a degree, Technician Lee returned to the University of Maryland and declared his major – in Fire Science. In 2004, Technician Lee graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science.

Technician Lee then headed back out west to fight forest fires in Central Washington State on the Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Ranger District. Upon his return, he applied to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and was hired in January of 2006. He was a member of the 117th Recruit School and graduated the academy in May 2006.

His first assignment was at Station 10, Bailey’s Crossroads. In 2013, Technician Lee earned certification as a paramedic. In September 2020, Technician Lee was selected to serve in his current assignment with the Basic Training Section. This group is responsible for teaching and instructing all new FCFRD recruits. His first class, Recruit School 148, graduated last week.

Another significant lesson he learned from his father and mother – the importance of family. Technician Lee remains close with his parents and two siblings. He now has his own two kids with his wife. The fire and rescue service, and all who he serves with, are an important second family to Technician Lee. He found his calling.

Have you wondered what it would be like to #JoinTeamFCFRD? Contact our recruiters at fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-3939 to learn more about a career.

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.